Evaluating Breathing Exercises Using Acapella Device and Incentive Spirometry to Improve Lung Function in Adults With Cervical Spinal Cord Injury

What this Trial Is About

The trial investigates respiratory therapies for adults aged 18 to 38 years with cervical spinal cord injuries SCI at levels C4-C7. Respiratory muscle dysfunction due to SCI often causes reduced lung volumes, breathing difficulty, ineffective cough, and sputum buildup. These issues significantly impact health, making pulmonary rehabilitation crucial. This study compares two approaches to improve lung function and breathing among inpatients undergoing rehabilitation for cervical SCI. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. The intervention group uses Low Volume Nose Resistance Breathing Exercises LVNRBE with an Acapella device plus Incentive Spirometry IS for 20 minutes, three times daily, five days a week, over four weeks. The control group receives conventional respiratory physiotherapy with the same frequency and duration but without the devices. Both groups receive supervised treatment during inpatient rehabilitation. Throughout the study, researchers assess lung function using Pulmonary Function Tests forced vital capacity and forced expiratory volume in 1 second, a dyspnea scale Modified Borg, cough frequency, and sputum characteristics before and after the four-week treatment. Data analysis focuses on changes within and between groups using statistical tests, with monitoring continuing for five weeks. The total participation time includes the treatment period and outcome evaluation at week 5.

Low Volume Nose Resistance Breathing Exercise With Incentive Spirometer in Patient With Cervical Spinal Cord Injuries